Broadland Council proposes car park fees in 13 new locations

Broadland Council has proposed bringing in fees for the first time at its sites in Reedham, Reepham, Brundall, Blofield, Aylsham, Acle and Coltishall.

The plans also explore the possibility of implementing charges at Bure Valley railway sites in Belaugh Green, Coltishall, Aylsham, Buxton and Little Hautbois. 

While it is currently free to park at these council-owned locations, providing more than 300 spaces in total, officials at the authority say the introduction of charges may help to discourage obstructive use of spaces. 

The steam train leaves Aylsham on the Bure Valley Railway (Image: Denise Bradley) A recent decision by neighbouring Breckland Council to push forward with introducing charges across its towns has sparked significant local backlash, with business owners warning the change will have a "seriously damaging" impact on their high streets. 

Despite this, officials at Broadland Council have proposed the introduction of tariffs across their own district in order to raise maintenance funds and improve management. 

The fees at three particularly busy car parks in Reepham and Aylsham, which have a total of 185 spaces, will start at £2 for one to three hours and cost £5 for an entire day. 

The car park in Burgh Road, Aylsham (Image: Google Maps) The scheme is expected to generate nearly £80,000 annually across these three sites alone. 

The first hour of parking will be free and charges will only be in operation between 8am and 6pm. There will also be discounted rates for some business owners and workers and the new prices will vary depending on the location and type of car park.

READ MORE: Car park fees could rise at some of Norfolk's most-visited beaches

The car park in Station Road, Reepham (Image: Google Maps) A report to the council said: "The introduction of paid for parking is intended to address the longstanding issue of parking space management, particularly in high-demand areas, by encouraging better turnover and availability. 

"This initiative is driven by the need to address space blocking in high-demand areas and to ensure that the cost of maintaining parking infrastructure is shared by those who use it, rather than being fully borne by the general taxpayer."

The proposals will be considered by councillors on Monday, October 21.